Congressional delegation: Dealing with Iran

Eloise Ogden

Regional Editor

eogden@minotdailynews.com

North Dakota’s congressional delegation commented on the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

On Wednesday, the State Department ordered all U.S. non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy and consulate in Iraq to leave the country, according to national news reports.

“Iran’s radicalism has long been a threat to global stability and U.S. national security. I am particularly concerned about intelligence reports, if true, indicating that Iran may be preparing proxy forces to target Americans in Iraq,” said Congressman Kelly Armstrong.

Sen. John Hoeven said, “We strengthened sanctions on Iran in order to increase economic pressure on the regime and force it to abandon its nuclear ambitions and stop its terrorist activities. This consistent pressure and strength is the way to deal with Iran. At this point, the U.S. has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the region, but the president has said the administration is not planning to send additional troops to the region. We need to keep the sanctions in place and deal with Iran from this position of strength.”

“President Trump is right to explore all available avenues that would sufficiently weaken this regime and protect the United States; it would be irresponsible to do otherwise,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer. “While Senate Armed Services Committee members have not yet been briefed like Congressional leadership or Intelligence Committee members have, I believe an emboldened Iran is a threat to the world; and their recent actions are cause for concern.”

On Saturday, Air Force B-52 bombers and F-15s began flying deterrence missions in the Middle East. The B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, last Thursday, according to Air Force Central Command. Air Force F-15s, also flying deterrence missions on Saturday, were refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker at an undisclosed location, according to Air Force Times.